Renee Martinez is a licensed massage therapist based in Woodbridge/Dumfries , VA. Specializing in Sports and Deep Tissue Massage. She operates by appointment only, so contact her today to schedule your next massage.

Do you know what style of massage is best for you?

Below you will find a list of massage modalities performed at Dumfries Massage Spa with a description of each to better help you decide what type of massage is best for you. If you have any further questions please email us at DumfriesMassageSpa@gmail.com or call us at (571) 989-2602, we would be happy to answer any questions and get you on the right path back to the healthier, happier you.

Swedish Massage

What is a Swedish Massage? One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish Massage is used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, where only the area being worked on is exposed. It is commonly used for relaxation, relief of muscular tension, improvement of circulation and range of motion.

How can a Swedish Massage benefit me? The many benefits of Swedish Massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesion and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. Swedish Massage benefits those who have few tension issues or wanting to relax from their daily stresses.

Therapeutic Massage

What is Therapeutic Massage? Therapeutic Massage is the medium between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage. Pressure, managed by the client, is applied to trigger/tension spots and slow movements are used. In this form of massage, the therapist will use a variation of techniques to reduce pain and tension caused in specific areas. Therapeutic Massages can be painful while trying to release tension areas, but the amount of pressure will vary throughout the body, with the ultimate goal of full body relaxation.

How can a Therapeutic Massage benefit me? Therapeutic Massage is designed to relieve specific tension areas therefore creating a sense of relief in persistent aches and pains or chronic issues. Therapeutic Massage serves as a way to increase mobility, maintain and achieve greater flexibility, get rid of persistent or nagging aches and pains from everyday repetitive motions and improve your mood. Therapeutic Massage is a popular massage and can benefit anyone who has aches and pains.

Deep Tissue

What is Deep Tissue Massage?A Deep Tissue Massage uses techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform a Deep Tissue Massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the therapist from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques and is not typically used throughout the entire body.

Prenatal Massage

What is a Prenatal Massage? Prenatal Massage is a side-lying massage; the side-lying position is used to increase blood flow and oxygen to your baby. Body pillows and headrest pillows are used to make you as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your therapist should be trained to administer a Prenatal Massage. Please do not hesitate to ask your therapist if they are certified in Prenatal. You can receive a Prenatal Massage throughout your entire pregnancy as long as you are not having a high risk pregnancy. You will be asked to fill out a Prenatal Release Form prior to your Prenatal session. Over the course of the nine months of pregnancy, your body is ever changing, and it is in overdrive to nurture a growing baby while also getting ready for labor. Here are just some of the benefits a Prenatal Massage can provide for you:

Sports Massage

What is a Sport Massage?: Sports Massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which Sports Massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event Massage can be performed at the event site or 2-3 days prior to the event. At the event site, fast-paced and stimulating techniques are applied which helps to establish blood flow and warm up the muscles. Then 2-3 days prior to the event we will focus on achy and sore muscles, releasing tension and circulating blood flow. Post-event Massage can also be delivered on site, through the clothes and typically given immediately or up to 1 day after the event. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event Massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner and reduce soreness. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

How can a Sports Massage benefit me? Sports Massage is designed to promote flexibility, reduce fatigue, improve endurance, help prevent injuries and prepares the body and mind for optimal performance. With Sports Massage your recovery is quicker and you can make progress faster. This massage is for the elite athlete, as well as the weekend jogger. Anyone who is active can benefit from a Sports Massage.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?Hot stone Massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body. The stones are heated to 120-150 degrees.The heat can be deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work deeper and quicker.

What you can expect from a Hot Stone Massage? The therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in a bath of 120-150 degree water. The stones themselves are usually basalt, which is a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well, and have been smoothed by natural forces in the river or sea. The massage therapist will massage you while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes -- big ones on the big muscles, smaller ones on smaller muscles. The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hand, on your belly, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. Be sure to make your therapist aware if the stones are too warm or the pressure is too intense. You can ask your therapist to stop using the stones if you don't like how they feel.